choosing a mobo - Which to use:
 
ddr3 is now $250 for 7-7-7-18 1600mhz this ram runs 1700mhz resulting in massive 10k memroy bandwidth - anyone build a high end system should consider ddr3 now.
 
the x48 chipset is for someone with money burn - there is only one minor feature that allows tweaking the memory settings.
 
 
 
790i or X38 is the best choice. If you running SLI then the new 790i is the way to go - all others should use the X38 chipset its slightly slower in some tests but its far more reliable and runs quads at higher speeds.
 
if your going to run a single ati card or single nvidia card and do not plan to add 2 then the P35 is great chipset - i would only update to the X38 if want to cool bells and whistels.
 
here's both the 780 vs the x38 being test side by side - the 790i mobo is on its way!

 
the x38 with physics and dual x2's runs 22,000+ in 3dmark with all backgrounds programs on and no tweaks - the pci-e is set 100 not 110!

 
 
680i mobos have a very high failure rate, low quad overclocking and eat memory left and right
 
intel p35 mobos and x38 mobos have a zero failure rate at my little shop

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